USMNT star reveals why he pushed for Arsenal exit

Suraj Radia

9 Sept 2023 16:44 BST
3 min read

Matt Turner, New England Revolution, 2021 — © ProShots

USMNT goalkeeper Matt Turner has revealed why he opted to leave Arsenal this summer after just one season at the club.

Article continues under the video

The 29-year-old joined Nottingham Forest last month for a fee of €8 million, having only signed for the Gunners from New England Revolution in 2022.

Turner made just seven appearances for Arsenal during his sole season at the Emirates, all of which were in cup competitions despite the shaky form of Mikel Arteta’s starting goalkeeper in Aaron Ramsdale towards the end of the campaign.

REVEALED: Why Turner's USMNT teammate turned down Chelsea transfer

The American was speaking while on international duty and admitted his failure to get a chance over Ramsdale was the catalyst to looking to make a quick exit from Arsenal, in order to continue playing in the Premier League.

“I think towards the end of the season when I felt like there was games that I could have been playing that I wasn't even getting really a sniff of them," Turner said. "I was training really well, doing, I felt like, everything in my power to get myself minutes on the team and that just wasn't happening for me.

“I knew that if I waited another year, it probably would have been more challenging for me to make a lateral move within the Premier League, so I knew that time was of the essence at that point.

“If I went another season without playing, I would have probably had to take a step back and once you're out of it, it's hard to get back into it, especially when you're not English.

Turner praises Ramsdale impact

Turner has been the number one for his country since making his debut in 2021 and has now established himself as a starter for Forest this season, conceding six goals in his first four games in the Premier League.

However, the shotstopper only had words of praise for his goalkeeping compatriot at Arsenal in Ramsdale, insisting it was the Englishman’s quality that ‘slammed the door shut’ for Turner.

REACTION: How Aaron Ramsdale responded to Matt Turner departure

“I'd say that probably towards the end of the season and credit to Aaron, really, because he brought it every single day,” Turner said.

“When he had opportunities, when doors were cracked open, he always slammed it back shut. I think he's a really talented goalkeeper, and I think we always pushed each other to get better."